Page 40 of Hades and Persephone: Keeper of Sins

“I’m not sure what you’re asking me.”

“Have you been in those clubs, Annie?” Her eyes narrow. “Have you been consuming the alcohol?”

Across the table, Addison chokeson a laugh. I let my eyes drift heavenward before looking back at my waiting mother. “No, Mom. I haven’t.”

“That’s good. Very good. Because you know what they say about that kind of girl. The girl that drinks and entertains boys.” Mom lowers her voice, but not low enough. “They’re loose and used. I don’t know why I let your father make me worry, though. We raised you to know right and wrong, to keep your legs closed and your sensibilities intact. You’re not a whor?—”

“Mom!” I can’t even make myself look at Addison.

“I’m just saying. You know you have a nice church boy waiting here for you when you come home.”

“There’s no one waiting there for me.”Where she comes up with this stuff, I’ll never know.

“Nonsense! Mrs. Opal’s grandson?—”

“Annie.” Mom is cut off by Addison’s deep, firm voice calling my name. “Personal calls are for personal time.”

Mom looks like she’s about to give Addison a piece of her mind, but I hurry to say, “Sorry. Gotta go, Mom. Love you.”

I don’t wait for her reply before I disconnect. I drop my head into my hands and groan. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.”

“That was awful.”

“Yeah, it was,” Addison agrees soberly.

“Thanks for saving me.”

“Sounded like you needed saving.”I’ve never heard Addison talk without that playful lilt. Even when he’s goofing around with Theo, that boyish charm is there in his voice, his eyes, the movements of his body. He’s charm personified, but right now, he’s—well, I think he’s angry.

“Sorry,” I say again.

He rolls his lips. “Does she always talk to you like that?”

I wet my own lips, nodding slowly. Hesitantly. “I think so.”

“What do you mean, you think so?”

I wince. “Mom has always been—she’s always beenher. I don’t think I really realized it though because I was always there. Always living it. She loves me. I know she loves me. But she’s—well, she’s opinionated.”

“She’s a manipulative narcissist.” His brows rise and fall like he’s surprised by his own words. He mutters under his breath, “That’s saying it nicely.”

I twist my lips to the side. “Maybe.”

“She is, Annie. I’m telling you; she is.”

I shrug a helpless shrug. “She’s my mother.”

Chapter

Twenty

Persephone

When I arriveat the penthouse to the scent of fresh herbs, something coiled inside me relaxes. It’s been a long day, and I’m beyond exhausted. The thought of cooking left me feeling tense and overwhelmed, so I’m happy I won’t have to. Still, I can’t help the guilt I feel at the thought that I’ll be shucking my responsibilities for the evening. Responsibilities Hades is paying me to see to.

Bending to give the eagerly waiting pups some scratches, I speak low, “Hey, guys. You know this isn’t permanent. I’m only here for a few months.” Noc gives a low whine, as though he understands what I’msaying, and doesn’t like it. “You’re worming your way into my heart. It’s really going to hurt when I have to leave.”

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